Hershey enters new category with chocolate spreads

HERSHEY, Pa. – Hershey Co. is making a foray into a new product segment with the launch of Hershey's Spreads, a line of chocolate spreads.

Hershey's Spreads represent a new product segment for the chocolate maker.

The company said Wednesday that the creamy, rich spreads come in chocolate, chocolate with almond, and chocolate with hazelnut varieties and are available now nationwide at food, mass, drug and convenience stores in 13-ounce jars retailing for $3.79.

The new product is supported by a robust integrated marketing campaign that began in the fourth quarter of 2013 and will continue through 2014, according to Hershey.

Hershey said the new offering continues the company's "legacy of creating chocolate experiences" and enable consumers to add "genuine Hershey's chocolate flavor to any food, anytime, anywhere."

For example, Hershey's Spreads offer such pairing possibilities as chocolate with graham crackers, strawberries or bananas as well as "more adventurous" pairings like celery, pineapple or pickles.

"The average American snacks more than two times a day, and what better way to transform everyday snacks into delicious treats, than with the genuine chocolate flavor that only Hershey can deliver," stated Hershey spokeswoman Anna Lingeris. "We have been delivering genuine chocolate experiences in a variety of forms for 120 years, and our legacy as the leader in chocolate continues with Hershey's Spreads."